Whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been increasing in countries like the U.K., Australia, and China, while the U.S. has not experienced a similar surge. This infection is caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis* and is highly contagious. It is spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days after exposure and include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough, followed by violent coughing fits. Babies and young children are at a higher risk of serious complications, such as hospitalization, pneumonia, and encephalopathy. Vaccination is recommended for children and adults to prevent pertussis and reduce the severity of symptoms if infected.
